I’m a Doctor and Beg You to Stop Taking These Supplements — Eat This Not That

By Ghuman

Introduction

Welcome to the world of nutrition and supplements! In this article, I’m a Doctor and Beg You to Stop Taking These Supplements — Eat This Not That, I will discuss the potential dangers of taking certain supplements and provide healthier alternatives. Many people take supplements to improve their health, but some of these supplements can actually be harmful. I will explain why certain supplements should be avoided and provide healthier alternatives that can help you achieve your health goals. I will also discuss the importance of consulting with your doctor before taking any supplement. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of which supplements are safe and which ones should be avoided.

I’m a Doctor and Beg You to Stop Taking These Supplements — Eat This Not That

As a doctor, I’m here to tell you that taking certain supplements can be dangerous. While some supplements can be beneficial, others can be downright dangerous. Here are some of the supplements you should avoid, and what you should eat instead.

Supplements to Avoid

  • Vitamin A: Too much vitamin A can cause liver damage and birth defects. Instead, get your vitamin A from foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach.
  • Vitamin E: Too much vitamin E can increase your risk of bleeding. Instead, get your vitamin E from foods like almonds, sunflower seeds, and avocados.
  • Iron: Too much iron can cause organ damage. Instead, get your iron from foods like red meat, beans, and spinach.
  • Calcium: Too much calcium can increase your risk of kidney stones. Instead, get your calcium from foods like yogurt, milk, and kale.

Foods to Eat Instead

Instead of taking supplements, focus on eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Eating a variety of foods will help ensure that you get all the vitamins and minerals you need.

In addition to eating a balanced diet, make sure to drink plenty of water and get regular exercise. These two things are essential for good health and can help you avoid the need for supplements.

Conclusion

Supplements can be dangerous if taken in excess, so it’s important to be aware of the risks. Instead of taking supplements, focus on eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise. This will help ensure that you get all the vitamins and minerals you need without the risk of taking too much.

While TV ads make it clear that not all medications are safe with their long list of potential dangerous side effects at the end of the commercial, that’s not the case with supplements. Dietary supplements can provide beneficial results, especially when it comes to vitamin deficiencies, but that doesn’t mean they’re all without risk and effective. Many can cause harmful side effects and should not be taken, according to experts Eat This, Not That! Health spoke with. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.

Young Woman Taking Yellow Fish Oil Pill.
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Kelly Johnson-Arbor, MD, FACEP, FUHM, FACMT Medical Toxicologist and Co-Medical Director at the National Capital Poison Center tells us, “This ‘vitamin’ actually contains amygdalin, which is broken down into cyanide within the human body. Although vitamin B-17 is sometimes touted as an alternative treatment for cancer, it is more commonly recognized as a potent poison due to its production of cyanide. People have experienced severe cyanide toxicity and death after taking “vitamin B-17″ for treatment of cancer.”

turmeric in bowl and wooden spoon
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Dr. Johnson-Arbor explains, “Turmeric is used as a natural remedy against inflammation, cancer, and infection. The main active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, is poorly absorbed by the human gastrointestinal system, so piperine (a component of black pepper) is often added to turmeric formulations to enhance intestinal absorption of the drug. In one study curcumin was undetectable of the blood of human subjects when it was given by mouth alone, but the addition of piperine increased the bioavailability 2000%. Basically, if people take turmeric without piperine, it’s not absorbed by the human body. Fortunately, many turmeric preparations also contain piperine as an ingredient.”

assortment of red pills and capsules of iron supplements
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According to Dr. Jacob Hascalovici MD, PhD Clearing Chief Medical Officer, “

While iron supplements can benefit people with anemia, the usefulness of copper and iron supplementation drops off rapidly for women after the age of 50. In fact, these supplements may actually raise the risk of Alzheimer’s and heart disease, so it’s advised to avoid them after 50 or so. Copper and iron can be found in some meats, leafy greens, beans, and nuts.”

young woman taking pill
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Jordyn Mastrodomenico (LCADC, LAC, CTP) Clinical Director, ChoicePoint shares, “Vitamin B3 is known as niacin. It is used to control cholesterol levels in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease. However, it increases the chances of developing low blood pressure which is harmful. It causes blurring of vision by increasing fluid in the eyes. In addition, niacin causes tiredness, nausea, and diarrhea.”

folate
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Mastrodomenico says, “Folate is not advised for post-menopausal women as it reduces plasma levels and enhances hot flashes. Generally, folate causes intestinal disturbances such as nausea, gas, stomach pain, and bloating. In some people, it causes a complete loss of appetite leading to electrolyte imbalance and malnutrition. Folate increases the chances of developing sleep and memory disorders.”

taking vitamin
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Dr. Johnson-Arbor urges, “People who have unwanted or unexpected symptoms after vitamin or supplement use should contact poison control for expert advice. There are two ways to contact poison control in the United States: online a twww.poison.org or by phone at 1-800-222-1222. Both options are free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.”

Heather Newgen

Heather Newgen has two decades of experience reporting and writing about health, fitness, entertainment and travel. Heather currently freelances for several publications. Read more about Heather